Lots of seniors can find that they suddenly aren’t as interested in their lives as they once were. Your elderly family member might not be depressed, but she might not be having a great time, either. Here’s what you can try.
Ask Her What’s Happening
If you think you’re noticing changes in your senior’s behaviors, don’t just guess. Ask her how she’s feeling and whether there’s anything that she wants to talk about. Let her open up to you about what’s happening instead of pressuring her, though. There can be a lot of reasons for this, ranging from health issues to feeling as if she’s not even in control of her own life anymore.
Consider Starting an Exercise Plan
Exercise is something that can help to boost your senior’s mood and get her excited about her life again. If she’s having trouble sleeping, then exercise can help with that, too. Make sure that her doctor is aware of any exercise plans your senior has so that you can make sure that the activities she’s planning are within the range of what’s healthy for her to do.
Check Her Diet and Include Mood-boosting Foods
What your senior eats plays a big part in how she feels, both physically and emotionally. And if her diet is kind of blah or is full of processed foods, then it’s possible that her brain isn’t getting the nutrients it needs to make endorphins and other chemicals that help with mood. Fresh vegetables and fruits, dark leafy greens, and lean proteins are just the start. Aim for whole foods that are nutrient-dense.
Find Activities She Wants to Be Involved in Again
Your elderly family member used to enjoy doing things, and she can enjoy that again. She may just need to try a modified version of the activity or simply try them again. Being social again can hurt a bit, especially if your elderly family member has experienced loss, so take it slowly.
Talk to Her Doctor
It’s also a good idea to talk to your senior’s doctor. Some of what she’s experiencing might be a result of health issues that aren’t doing as well as she would hope. It might also be that talking to a therapist is a good idea. Find out what options might do the most good for her.
Some of these changes might feel like too much for your senior to handle on her own. It can be a good idea to bring in home care providers to assist your senior however she needs it most.
If you or an aging loved one needs home care services near Sacramento, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
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